Health Center Accolades – June 2012

Stevens Among Experts in ‘City Dark’ Film on PBS July 5

Richard Stevens, cancer epidemiologist and professor in the Department of Community Medicine, is among those interviewed for “The City Dark,” a documentary that explores the disappearing night sky. Stevens shares his expertise on the growing evidence of health problems associated with artificial light at night, particularly breast cancer. This award-winning independent film, which has been screened at festivals throughout the country for the last year, makes its national television debut on PBS’ “POV” Thursday, July 5, at 10 p.m.

Biree Andemariam, M.D., (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)

Andemariam Honored for Sickle Cell Disease Work

Dr. Biree Andemariam of the Lea’s Foundation Center for Hematologic Disorders was presented with the “Champions Award” by the New Britain-based group Citizens for Quality Sickle Cell Care, Inc. “Dr. Andemariam received the Champion Award for her dedication to the UConn Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic, where the majority of our members living with Sickle Cell Disease receive health care services,” says CQSCC Executive Director Virginia Pertillar. “Dr. Andemariam has devoted her time and energy to promote awareness, advocacy and education about sickle cell disease to the community at large.”

Julian D. Ford, Ph.D. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)

Ford Awarded Grant for Important Children’s Mental Health Issues

Julian Ford, professor in the Department of Psychiatry, has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the 2012 Child Health Innovation Research Fund. The grant, awarded by The Children’s Fund of Connecticut (CFC) and the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation, will help in the development of a practitioner-informed model to address pediatric and mental health provider collaboration. Ford and his research team will work to develop and implement communication tools and protocols that will establish more effective referral and communication practices between pediatric primary care and children’s mental health providers.